Implementation of Rooftop Solar PV in Qatar through the Roof Rental Business Model

Mohamed Alhaj

College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Qatar

Abstract: Qatar is an emerging renewable energy market in the MENA region and has a national vision to generate 2% of its electricity from solar energy by 2020. A number of green businesses in Qatar are operating at different segments of the solar value chain. However, deployment of residential and commercial solar PV still remains low. One reason for this is the lack of incentives for the public and businesses to adopt solar energy technologies because of the high capital costs and high tariffs per kWh. This study proposes the use of the roof rental business model by green businesses in Qatar as a method for increasing public support for solar in Qatar and generating income. The current status of solar energy deployment in Qatar is reviewed and the major business players in the solar value chain are presented. The roof rental business model is discussed in detail and recommendations are given on how to implement it. The study also addresses the feed-in-tariff incentive as an essential pillar in the roof rental model. We conclude from this research that the roof rental business model can create massive public support for solar energy in Qatar provided that the feed-in-tariff policy is implemented.

Key words: rooftop solar, roof-rental, feed in tariffs, PV, Qatar